A woman was conditionally discharged for six months today for throwing an ashtray at her former partner's car.

Maria Anna Camilleri, 49, from Birzebbuga, had been in a relationship with Charles Brincat for a year and a half but decided to break up as he was married.

The court heard how Mr Brincat began harassing her through text messages that he sent to her, her mother and her daughter. Ms Camilleri had also filed police reports stating that Mr Brincat was following her around, even at night.

The incident happened on September 13, 2013, when the woman returned home from work and was on a balcony drinking tea and smoking a cigarette.

She saw Mr Brincat’s car driving by and her first reaction was to grab an ashtray and throw it at the car, hitting the passenger door. She then went to a bar, where she saw Mr Brincat drinking alone and returned home.

Mr Brincat told the court that he was driving along the road at around 11.15pm when he heard a loud bang. He stopped to check if he had hit anyone and then went to a bar for a drink because he was under shock. The following day a colleague pointed out the dent on his car.

The court found Ms Camilleri guilty by admission and noted that the woman was safe inside her house and should not have taken the law into her own hands.

On the other hand, Magistrate Josette Demicoli said she did not believe Mr Brincat’s version.

Ms Camilleri was found guilty of damaging the car and was conditionally discharged for six months.

Inspector Carol Fabri prosecuted. Lucio Schiriha was defence counsel.